Director, Data Platforms

Vancity Centre
183 Terminal Ave
Vancouver, BC V6A4G2, CAN

Vancity is a member-owned credit union built on the principles of inclusion and social justice. A relentless commitment to their values has helped them challenge the status quo and break down barriers since day one in 1946. They have bold commitments to make Vancity net-zero by 2040 across all mortgages and loans and are pursuing strategies on Indigenous banking and to improve the financial resilience of their members.

Vancity is the largest private sector Living Wage Employer in Canada and has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Employers in Canada. If you’re interested in joining their team of 2,700 diverse individuals and accessing competitive rewards and benefits, all while knowing you are part of a greater movement, then apply today

Role Summary:

The Director, Data Platforms will be responsible for the strategic direction, development, and management of Vancity's data platforms in an Agile work environment. This role will oversee the architecture, implementation, and maintenance of data systems to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the organization. The Director will lead a cross-functional team of data professionals, build and modernize team capabilities, and work closely with various business units to leverage data for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Additionally, this role will focus on ensuring AI readiness, supporting Open Banking initiatives, and leveraging Microsoft technologies, including Azure Synapse and Microsoft Fabric.

Key Accountabilities:

- Develop and execute a comprehensive data platform strategy aligned with Vancity’s business objectives. Ensure the data platforms support data-driven decision-making and innovation across the organization. Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve Vancity’s data capabilities.
- Build and scale a high-performing cross-functional team of data engineers, architects, and analysts. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture focused on continuous improvement, agility, and excellence. Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and empowerment within the team. Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
- Identify and implement modern data technologies and tools to improve the team's efficiency and effectiveness. Drive the adoption of best practices and cutting-edge methodologies in data engineering, analytics, and data science. Encourage a learning and growth mindset, ensuring the team stays current with the latest industry trends and advancements.
- Develop and implement strategies to integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into data platforms. Ensure the team is equipped with the skills and tools necessary to leverage AI for predictive analytics, automation, and enhanced decision-making. Collaborate with data scientists and other stakeholders to identify and execute AI-driven initiatives.
- Lead the development and implementation of data strategies to support Open Banking initiatives. Ensure data platforms are compliant with Open Banking standards and regulations. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate secure and seamless data sharing.
- Leverage Microsoft technologies, including Azure Synapse and Microsoft Fabric, to enhance data platform capabilities. Implement and manage data solutions using Azure Synapse for big data analytics and data warehousing. Utilize Microsoft Fabric to create scalable, high-performance data fabrics that support advanced analytics and reporting. Ensure seamless integration of Microsoft technologies with existing data platforms and workflows.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of scalable and secure data architectures. Establish and enforce data governance policies, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Work with IT and security teams to ensure data platforms are secure and resilient.
- Collaborate with business units to understand their data needs and provide Agile solutions that drive business value. Communicate data strategy, progress, and results to senior leadership and other stakeholders. Act as a liaison between technical teams and business units to ensure alignment and effective data utilization.
- Manage projects related to data platform development and enhancements, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Utilize Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) to track progress, manage risks, and report on outcomes. Facilitate Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
- Ensure the data platforms are operating efficiently and effectively, with minimal downtime. Implement best practices for data management, including data integration, ETL processes, and data warehousing. Optimize data storage, retrieval, and processing to support business analytics and reporting needs.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in data management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in data architecture, data governance, and data platform management.
- Strong knowledge of data technologies such as SQL, NoSQL, big data platforms, cloud data services (e.g., AWS, Azure), and data visualization tools.
- Expertise in Microsoft technologies, including Azure Synapse and Microsoft Fabric.
- Experience with AI and machine learning technologies and methodologies.
- Knowledge of Open Banking standards and regulations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and Agile solutions.
- Strong project management skills with experience in Agile methodologies.
- Familiarity with financial services industry and regulatory requirements is an asset.

We value lived experience, so if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if you feel your skills don't perfectly align with those listed.

The salary range for the role is between $121,000 to $170,000.

- Our permanent employees qualify for attractive benefit packages that can be customized and changed each year to meet their evolving needs.
- New employees receive between three to four weeks of vacation allowance per calendar year, and the number of vacation days grows — to a maximum of six weeks per year — as their length of service increases. In addition, full-time, permanent staff may be able to purchase extra days of vacation through our flexible benefits package.
- In addition to the 10 statutory holidays in British Columbia, Vancity provides an additional three statutory holidays. We offer care days for periods of short-term personal illness or emergency family illness, plus opportunities to take unpaid leave for a variety of reasons.
- Our health care & dental benefits offer three levels of health care and dental coverage for you to select from. These benefits will also be effective immediately based on your hire date.
- We understand that retirement means different things to different people and at Vancity we will offer you a Defined pension plan that pays you a retirement income for life.

Please note that all shortlisted candidates for this role will be required to complete a background check which includes employment verification, credit check, and a criminal record check. Vancity is an inclusive and equitable employer and actively seeks to advance racial equity, inclusion and belonging across the organization. Vancity offers required accommodations in all stages of the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please advise us, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

#J-18808-Ljbffr